Bacon Brown Sugar Tenders: Sweet, Smoky, and Irresistibly Crispy!
Get ready for an explosion of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors with these incredible Bacon Brown Sugar Tenders! Imagine perfectly cooked, juicy chicken tenders wrapped in crispy bacon, then caramelized with a delicious brown sugar glaze infused with aromatic spices. These are an absolute dream for appetizers, game day snacks, or a fun and flavorful family dinner. Easy to make and utterly addictive, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love These Tenders
- Sweet & Smoky Flavor: The perfect blend of rich brown sugar and savory bacon, enhanced by aromatic spices.
- Crispy Texture: Juicy chicken wrapped in perfectly rendered, crispy bacon.
- Irresistibly Addictive: A unique flavor combination that will have everyone reaching for more.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, party snack, or a main course with simple sides.
- Relatively Simple: Straightforward steps for a big flavor payoff.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple yet impactful ingredients to create your Bacon Brown Sugar Tenders:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips (about 1-inch wide)
- 8 slices of bacon (regular thickness, not thick-cut, for best crisping)
- ½ cup brown sugar, light or dark (packed)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste (use sparingly for chicken, as bacon and seasoning blend are salty)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing/tossing)
Instructions: Wrap, Bake, and Caramelize to Perfection!
1. Prepare the Chicken and Seasoning Blend:
Pat the chicken tenders or strips dry very well with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere and ensures crispy results. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp smoked paprika. Mix well until thoroughly combined. This is your flavorful sugar rub.
2. Wrap the Chicken with Bacon:
Take one slice of bacon. Lay it flat on a clean surface. Place one chicken tender or strip at one end of the bacon slice. Tightly wrap the bacon around the chicken tender, spiraling it until the chicken is fully encased. If the bacon strip is very long, you can trim it or overlap slightly. Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders and bacon slices.
3. Coat with Brown Sugar Blend:
In a large bowl, lightly toss the bacon-wrapped chicken tenders with 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter. This helps the brown sugar adhere and promotes browning. Now, add the prepared brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika blend to the bowl with the chicken. Toss very gently but thoroughly to coat each bacon-wrapped tender evenly with the brown sugar mixture. You can also sprinkle the mixture over them directly if preferred.
4. Bake to Crispy, Caramelized Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Place an oven-safe wire rack on top of the lined baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the tenders, promoting crispier bacon. Arrange the coated bacon-wrapped chicken tenders in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching.
Bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the bacon is crispy, the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C), and the brown sugar mixture has caramelized into a sticky, glossy glaze. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken and bacon.
5. Rest and Serve:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the Bacon Brown Sugar Tenders rest on the wire rack for 5 minutes. This allows the bacon to crisp up further as it cools and the glaze to set. Serve immediately! These are fantastic on their own, or with a side of ranch dressing, honey mustard, or extra BBQ sauce for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color, if desired.
Tips for Ultimate Crispy & Flavorful Tenders
- Choose the Right Bacon: Regular-cut bacon works best for crisping evenly and wrapping neatly. Thick-cut bacon might take longer to crisp and could result in less-cooked chicken.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Excess moisture inhibits browning and crisping. Ensure your chicken is as dry as possible.
- Don’t Skimp on the Rack: Using a wire rack is highly recommended. It allows the bacon fat to drip away, promoting crispier results all around. If you don’t have one, blot excess fat from the pan halfway through baking.
- Even Coating: Ensure the brown sugar mixture is evenly distributed for a consistent caramelization and flavor.
- Watch Closely: The brown sugar can burn if left too long, especially towards the end of baking. Keep an eye on them for that perfect golden-brown, caramelized finish.
- Spice It Up (Optional): For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder to your brown sugar blend.
- Prep Ahead: You can wrap the chicken with bacon and even coat them with the brown sugar mixture a few hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes party prep a breeze!
These Bacon Brown Sugar Tenders are a surefire hit, combining irresistible flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more. Enjoy!